The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation
between acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and cartilage injury by
use of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique, T2 mapping. Of
the 47 patients with acute ACL injury, 24 had a bone bruise at lateral femoral
condyle. A significant increase in the T2 of cartilage at the femoral condyle
with bone bruise was observed, while no significant increase in the T2 of
cartilage at the femoral condyle without bone bruise was observed. The presence
of bone bruise at lateral femoral condyle after acute ACL rupture was thought
to indicate the presence of cartilage deterioration at that site.